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jewel of the willamette valley
Discover America’s Most Remarkable Pinot Noir
Momtazi Family Estate Pinot Noir 2018
6 bottles – $359.94 $239.94 ($39.99 per bottle)
12 bottles – $719.88 $479.88 ($39.99 per bottle)
A wine that celebrates ancient tradition, natural farming and family legacy…
If you’re a fan of Pinot Noir, you know that the most sought-after bottles come from France’s Burgundy region. You’ll also be aware that the best wines start at about $100, and that the rarest bottles can easily cost over $1,000 per bottle.
Oregon’s Willamette Valley has emerged as a rival to fine Burgundy (at far friendlier prices), and while many of the wines are excellent, none of them are as compelling as those from Moe Momtazi and his family.
Moe grew up in Iran, which many believe to be the cradle of wine. Ancient Persian culture considered wine sacred, and it was deeply woven into society for centuries. Both Moe’s grandfather and father made wine naturally, and Moe became fascinated by it.
However, during ‘cultural revolution’ of 1979, he and his wife Flora saw that Iran was no longer going to be a good place to start a family. Eventually, they were forced to flee, with just two small bags on a tiny motorcycle…chased by Revolutionary Guards with Flora riding on the back, eight months pregnant with their first child.
They eventually settled in Oregon and, in 1997, bought 496 acres of an abandoned farm near their home, which they’ve turned into a bucolic paradise for growing grapes. Everything is done naturally and they are Demeter Certified Biodynamic.
Together with their three daughters they produce some of the most delicious, complex, long-lived Pinots you will ever taste. As a Vineyard Partner, you enjoy special access.
We practice low-impact, holistic farming methods and carry this philosophy into the cellar, where our biodynamic winemaking produces Pinot Noirs with intensity and elegance while maintaining natural harmony between fruit and earth.
Roots That Run Deep
Ancient cultural traditions are flourishing in a new place and for a new generation
Time is an important concept at Momtazi Vineyard. Moe’s grandfather and father both made wine, and today the family thinks deeply about how wine was made and enjoyed in their ancient Persian culture—applying the natural of the techniques of the past (along with modern insights) to grow vines as sustainably as possible.
Over 7,000 Years Ago…
Wine appeared a the dawn of human civilization in ancient Persia, where it was deeply woven into society, culture and religion for centuries to come.
From East To West
As Oregon Pinot was starting to make waves, Moe planted roots (literally) in McMinville in 1997, farming with the natural traditions of his ancient culture.
Passing On The Legacy
His daughter Tahmiene is now winemaker. Along with her sisters and parents, she runs the estate and crafts some of the most sought-after Pinots in the world.
“Everything Comes From Within”
That’s what Moe says when you ask him about his philosophy of farming. His mission is to learn from nature and apply its wisdom to their farm.
“Over the years, we’ve worked diligently to create a farm that is a complete ecosystem, which does not have any need for any fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides from outside of the far. What we need to sustain and revitalize the health of our farm all comes from within by ensuring a healthy balance of biodiversity across the property as a whole,” he explains.
Through an array of practices—like stocking reservoirs with fish (which attracts birds of prey that keep rodents and other vineyard pests at bay) and having cows graze in the pasture (to help create a rich compost)—they are able to grow perfectly ripe and healthy grapes.
He and his team also collect a variety of medicinal herbs and flowers from the property and make them into “teas” to harness their beneficial properties. The teas are diluted to and then dynamized before being sprayed or injected through the irrigation lines directly to the roots…getting the nutrients the plants need in a form they can easily absorb and benefit from.
This is just a small example of the many ways the family utilizes what nature gives them to benefit the farm.
Continuing The Family Legacy
Just as wine was central to Moe’s father and grandfather, he is now passing on the family’s heritage to his three daughters.
Each plays a vital role in the winery, lending their unique talents. Although they are very different in character, they share common traits (which you’ll also find in their parents), namely a hardworking nature, grit and determination.
The eldest daughter, Tahmiene (left), became head winemaker at 24. She’s now 40 and crafts world-class wines that win major acclaim from both critics and customers. The middle daughter, Naseem (center), runs marketing and sales, while the youngest, Hanna (right), handles the events they hold at their magical farm. Their mom, Flora, is the glue that holds it all together.
Reflecting on this, Moe expalined, “It’s rewarding that after working hard for so many years that we’ve created something significant for them. Between myself and my wife, everything we do is for our kids and our grandkids.”
As a Vineyard Partner, you will...
ENJOY RARE ACCESS
Receive guaranteed allocations of exceptional wine—always at the best possible price. Help a vineyard thrive, and in some cases, survive.
CHAMPION TRUE TALENTS
Knowing that they have dedicated supporters allows more precious time to be spent on winemaking (less on sales and marketing).
UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE PERKS
Guaranteed savings, Vineyard updates, VIP experiences at the winery with advance notice, Early access to events & more
homeward bound: rediscoverIING the oregon countryside
By Noah Schwartz, Writer & Wine Professional
"I grew up in Oregon, about 45 minutes south of McMinnville (where the Momtazi family’s vineyard is located). I sadly don’t get back to the area very often, so it was a real treat to visit the Willamette Valley and reacquaint myself with its many charms.
Without a doubt, the most memorable experience was spending time at Momtazi Vineyard. It is a secluded place, off a winding, dusty road, and it really does seem like you’re entering another world. It was a pleasure to be able to speak to Moe, his family and the tasting room team to get to know the backstory of the family and the wines. While I had read a lot about the vineyard, it is always different when you can see things come to life right in front of you…especially at harvest time.
The amount of wildlife we observed was absolutely insane. There were literally wild deer and turkeys darting through the vines, birds of prey swooping down to get “lunch,” chickens running around, cows grazing…not to mention the majestic oaks guarding over the small valley on either side. I had also not realized how steep some of the vineyards were—wow! It’s quite a sight to behold. Then, when you realize how much thought, innovation and work has been put into everything, it just blows you way.
Moe always seems to be experimenting with something new…I discovered a small vine nursery to the side of one of the dirt roads, where different grape varieties are being trialed…learned how it took them years to get their slow composting process just right…found out that some things we normally consider “weeds” can be beneficial to the soil and the vines when applied in a diluted form…and so much more.
Then there’s the wines! They all seem somehow reminiscent of Old World, like mature Burgundies made in an old-school way. I tasted some wines that were nearly 20 years old, and they were still extremely delicious, nuanced and engaging. They’re the kind of wines that just keep evolving and changing in the glass and you want to savor every last sip.
I highly recommend paying a visit when you are in Oregon."
Become a Partner Today
Choose 6 or 12 bottles for your first shipment. Then, each following year in June, you will receive 6 bottles of the next release for $239.94, a savings of $120 versus the retail price. You’re free to cancel any time.
